Anxiety is often triggered by stress and, unfortunately, no one is a stranger to this.  We live in a society where anxieties are running rampant.  With increasing financial hardships, together with all the associated problems that go along with this, it’s no wonder that individuals are seeking help to cope with anxiety and anxiety related conditions, some of which can be very debilitating.  We realize that most anxiety disorders, however, have at least in part some biological components and often respond to certain drugs.

How to Recognize Anxiety

Anxiety manifests itself in different ways.  Some individuals may have an overall feeling of fear and worry, sometimes not knowing why they are feeling they way they do.  Others may experience physical symptoms such as muscle tension, trembling, upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, headaches, aches and pains, numbness or tingling sensations in your arms or legs, sweating/flushing and even heart palpitations.

And in some instances it is almost like a “catch 22″-individuals mistakenly take the symptoms of anxiety for physical illness and become more worried that they might be suffering a heart attack or stroke or have some debilitating condition. This of course will increase anxiety symptoms.  You can see the complexity arising.

No one is immune to stress and most individuals will experience some form of anxiety in their lives from time to time; however, it becomes problematic when it interferes with everyday life, or if it goes on for too long a period of time.  Some individuals suffer panic attacks, which episodes may come on very suddenly and seem to be for no apparent reason.  These attacks are evidenced by intense fear and in fact may trigger severe physical reactions.  You may feel like you are losing control or having a heart attack or even worse-dying. You know you are in trouble when the fear takes over your life, and you refuse to leave your house, even to go to work. These conditions, if untreated can cause real harm to your body as well as your mind.  Hence, anti-anxiety drugs enter the picture.

Anti-Anxiety Medications

These medications are primarily used in combination with other forms of therapy that act as a calming agent and tend to relax individuals with moderate to severe anxiety, nervousness, or tension.  They may be for a short-term or may be for a longer period of time depending on the individuals.

These medications are generally prescribed by Psychiatrists, family doctors or other doctors, who often work closely with psychologists, social workers or therapists. These medications do not offer a miracle cure, but they may help alleviate or control symptoms, so that you may function in society and lead a more promising life.

Some of the more commonly prescribed drugs fall under the category of Benzodiazepines, which are psychotropic drugs such as alprazolam, more commonly known as xanax and clonazepam more commonly known as clonopin, which are most often prescribed for panic attacks and larazepan (ativan) and midazolam (versed), which are most commonly used for preoperative sedation  during surgery procedures. These drugs can help relax the patients as well as reduce memory of unpleasant experiences.

These traditional drug treatments have somewhat been replaced by a new class of drugs known as serotonin-specific reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs,)  such as citalopram (celexa), fluoxetine (prozac),  paroxetine (Paxil,) and others, which are believed to have less side-effects and less likely to have addictive properties.  The main difference between these two classes of drugs are that it takes at least three to five weeks for the SSRIs to take effect while it only takes about 30 minutes for the more traditional drugs to take effect, and be used on an as-needed basis.  Therefore, both classes of drugs are still used depending on the severity and needs of the individual.

Both classes of drugs unfortunately come with side-effects, some more serious than others.  The older drugs which are relatively effective have a wide range of unwanted problems including dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation weight gain, dizziness, high blood pressure, muscle twitches and sexual dysfunction.  This seems more problematic than the actual condition.  Just reading these side effects could cause anxiety.

Although SSRIs have gained popularity they too, are powerful medications and come with certain risk factors, again, some very serious.  It is not uncommon to suffer with headaches, nausea, drowsiness, weight gain or loss, increased or decreased appetite and sexual dysfunction.  Individuals may even suffer an increase of anxiety and depression.  And, that’s not all, research shows that individuals have a difficult time weaning off these medications and should be done so under strict observation of your physician.  It has been noted that Paxil may have severe withdrawal effects and can be very difficult to wean off of it.

Alternative

Millions of Americans suffer some form of anxiety during their lifetime, and many of these individuals choose to use an all natural herbal alternative to these otherwise problematic drugs.  Individuals are turning to alternative medicine because not only are they safer, but they are effective as well.